To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Speech of Dr. Negrin, The Prime Minister of Spain
Broadcast June 18th, 1938, at 10.30 p.m. from Madrid.
From this magnificent Madrid which, since it has become the symbol of the struggle for the independence of the fatherland and against foreign invasion, has twice in little more than a century won the right to be called the capital of the peoples of Spain, a city which ever since its entry in history has known how to couple deep feeling and firmness in a magnificent contrast, from this Madrid which more than 400 years ago took part in the uprising of the commoners and has always distinguished itself in its rejection of impertinence by its grace, its disdain and its pride, from this incomparable city which is light-hearted and solid at the same time, the centre where all the different characteristics of the peoples and regions of our land are mingled, I address the Spanish nation to explain to the combatants at the front and to the workers in the rear our confidence in triumph (they will not be depressed by reverses which are foreseen and expected in a war which, unfortunately, will still be long and full of setbacks) and to expound to all Spaniards the aims which justify our perseverance in the cruel struggle until victory, for which we shall have to wait long but which is, nevertheless, certain.
Victory depends on our determination. Whenever as head of the Government I have spoken to my fellow citizens from this post of supreme responsibility, I have always been careful to do so without ambiguity or rhetoric. I have repeatedly insisted, from the very first moment, that the war will be difficult and long and that it will be a hard test for the strongest minds. My conviction remains the same. Victory depends on our determination and its attainment merits all sacrifices, for on victory -- heed my words -- depends not only the independence but perhaps even the continuance of Spain as a nation.
We have more war material than ever. Four months ago, owing, to the criminal policy of non-intervention which favoured our enemies and appeared to have no other end than to strangle Spain, we were faced with a terrible crisis in war material. At that time, and as a result of the fall of Teruel, I assured you that, relying on the efforts of our workers, it would be possible to overcome the lack of equality in the supply of material, which was placing us in such a difficult situation. Today this superiority of the enemy still persists. His successes are in great part due to this. It is not in vain that he has behind him a powerful industry, the industry of Germany and Italy, which provides him with all he needs. But we are no longer in that defenceless stage which threatened to force us to submit to strangulation. Much remains for us to do, much is being done, much will be done, for a great war industry cannot be improvised in a few months. Nor can artillery, tanks and planes be manufactured in weeks. Nor is it possible to overcome, all at once, the hindrances and difficulties by which the enemy, perhaps with the complacent collaboration of some and lack of courage in others, is impeding our equipment, taking advantage of an ominous agreement which in practice represents the most hypocritical aggression in contemporary history against a free country and a legitimate Government. But it is certain that our army has never had such powerful means for fighting at at present, means which are increasing every day.

Speech of Dr. Negrin, The Prime Minister of Spain
Broadcast June 18th, 1938, at 10.30 p.m. from Madrid.
From this magnificent Madrid which, since it has become the symbol of the struggle for the independence of the fatherland and against foreign invasion, has twice in little more than a century won the right to be called the capital of the peoples of Spain, a city which ever since its entry in history has known how to couple deep feeling and firmness in a magnificent contrast, from this Madrid which more than 400 years ago took part in the uprising of the commoners and has always distinguished itself in its rejection of impertinence by its grace, its disdain and its pride, from this incomparable city which is light-hearted and solid at the same time, the centre where all the different characteristics of the peoples and regions of our land are mingled, I address the Spanish nation to explain to the combatants at the front and to the workers in the rear our confidence in triumph (they will not be depressed by reverses which are foreseen and expected in a war which, unfortunately, will still be long and full of setbacks) and to expound to all Spaniards the aims which justify our perseverance in the cruel struggle until victory, for which we shall have to wait long but which is, nevertheless, certain.
Victory depends on our determination. Whenever as head of the Government I have spoken to my fellow citizens from this post of supreme responsibility, I have always been careful to do so without ambiguity or rhetoric. I have repeatedly insisted, from the very first moment, that the war will be difficult and long and that it will be a hard test for the strongest minds. My conviction remains the same. Victory depends on our determination and its attainment merits all sacrifices, for on victory -- heed my words -- depends not only the independence but perhaps even the continuance of Spain as a nation.
We have more war material than ever. Four months ago, owing, to the criminal policy of non-intervention which favoured our enemies and appeared to have no other end than to strangle Spain, we were faced with a terrible crisis in war material. At that time, and as a result of the fall of Teruel, I assured you that, relying on the efforts of our workers, it would be possible to overcome the lack of equality in the supply of material, which was placing us in such a difficult situation. Today this superiority of the enemy still persists. His successes are in great part due to this. It is not in vain that he has behind him a powerful industry, the industry of Germany and Italy, which provides him with all he needs. But we are no longer in that defenceless stage which threatened to force us to submit to strangulation. Much remains for us to do, much is being done, much will be done, for a great war industry cannot be improvised in a few months. Nor can artillery, tanks and planes be manufactured in weeks. Nor is it possible to overcome, all at once, the hindrances and difficulties by which the enemy, perhaps with the complacent collaboration of some and lack of courage in others, is impeding our equipment, taking advantage of an ominous agreement which in practice represents the most hypocritical aggression in contemporary history against a free country and a legitimate Government. But it is certain that our army has never had such powerful means for fighting at at present, means which are increasing every day.